While the focus of this column is introducing locally brewed beers in various parts of Japan, a few local breweries are opening pubs in Tokyo to make their beers more easily available to the huge number of city people thirsty for them. Notable among these brewers is Baird Beer in Numazu, Shizuoka, a few hours south of Tokyo.

In May of last year, Baird opened up a Tokyo version of its popular Numazu Taproom close to Nakameguro Station, a short distance from Ebisu and Roppongi on the Hibiya Line, and easily accessible from Shibuya and Yokohama on the Toyoko Line.

The Nakameguro Taproom has taken many features of the original Fishmarket Taproom to Tokyo – interesting food, casual décor with an emphasis on brick and wood, and even more taps. The Nakameguro Taproom features 20 beer taps and four hand pumps, all dispensing the huge variety of Baird beers.

Things are made even more interesting on a regular basis with the frequent release of Baird seasonal beers which feature new ingredients and different styles to further expand the definition of beer. Rows and rows of tables make it a popular spot for larger groups, while sports are almost always on the large-screen television.

For lovers of Baird beer in Tokyo, how could things get better? Certainly with the opening in August of a smaller Taproom in Harajuku. This new pub is essentially a yakitori joint, with 15 taps and two hand pumps. There is a limited izakaya-style menu, centering on yakitori, and prices are remarkably low.